in the new 2026 jeep meridian the middle row can be adjusted forward or backward and 3rd row can be reclined enough. this makes it quite usable as a long trip 7 seater now which is an improvement over older model

Jeep Meridian Expert Reviews

Autocar score

We like

4X4 capability
Outstanding ride and handling

We don't like

No petrol option
Cramped third row

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Jeep Meridian Images

Driver Height Adjustable Seat Image - 5543

Color Techno Metallic Green Image - 3261

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Questions you may find useful

•2w

Hello Autocar team, This question is in two parts. I am tearfully moving on from my beautiful Ford Endeavour 3.2 Titanium AT and am in the market for a new vehicle. Priorities are good ground clearance (laden), a powerful and responsive engine, and preferably a 4-by-4 or AWD. The second part is the tough one. Situated in Delhi NCR, do you think it makes sense to go for diesel again? Because my boxes are mostly ticked only by diesel powertrains, and the petrol ones are either too expensive (Kodiaq), or too small (e.g., the Jimny). Can you please help?

•2w

4WD SUVs are getting rarer by the day, but given what you're looking for, the best fit is the Mahindra Thar Roxx. For the price, it feels the closest to your Endeavour in the stuff that matters - proper 4x4 with low range, generous ground clearance even when loaded, and a strong 2.2-litre diesel that responds eagerly. The Roxx's new-gen chassis is Mahindra's best ladder frame yet, soaking up rough roads without breaking a sweat and handling highway duties reasonably well too. It's also gotten a lot more liveable than previous Thars, with genuine space, premium feel and creature comforts.There's the Jeep Compass and Meridian too, but their interiors won't feel spacious enough after your Endeavour, and on the other end are the MG Majestor and Toyota Fortuner, though those are likely to be out of budget. Of the petrols, the Kodiaq is probably the best AWD bet, but as you said, it is too expensive. A few-year-old example of any of these, however, might be a good option.On diesel in NCR, it might still make sense, if you can make your peace with the 10-year cap - and the associated resale value hit. You may see the odd winter restriction put into place, but new BS6 diesels have generally been clear of those. It's not an easy decision, but if it's for a car you'll enjoy, and you can work out a shorter ownership cycle that suits your needs, it can still work.

Dear Autocar, firstly, thank you for your detailed and honest car reviews. They genuinely help enthusiasts and buyers make informed decisions. I am considering the Jeep Meridian base model, as it fits my budget and requirements for a spacious, comfortable 5-seater with a large boot. My primary use will be highway touring with my parents, and since I enjoy driving myself, good driving dynamics are also important. Currently, I drive a Renault Duster for daily use, while my brother owns a Volkswagen Tiguan. We are now looking for a comfortable long-distance tourer for trips of 1,500 km or more with ample luggage space. My main concern is the Jeep Meridian’s long-term presence in India, especially considering future CAFE norms. Do you think the Meridian is a sensible choice, and is it likely to remain on sale in the Indian market for the next 3-5 years? Thanks again!

•3w

For long highway trips with your parents, lots of luggage, and a driver who enjoys doing the distance, the Jeep Meridian base variant used as a 5-seater fits well. With the last row folded, the boot is huge, and the ride is calm at speed, so your parents stay comfortable. It feels steady and quiet on expressways, and the diesel’s easy pull makes cruising and quick passes simple. Coming from a Duster, you’ll notice a nicer cabin and better noise insulation. The Meridian isn’t as sharp to drive as the VW Tiguan, but the Jeep rides softer, which suits long tours.Know the trade-offs. The third row is only for short hops and eats boot space when up, so keep it folded. The base trim will miss a few nice-to-haves; if the budget stretches, the next trim up adds useful highway bits. On long-term presence, there’s no signal of Jeep pulling the plug on the Meridian. It’s built here alongside the Compass, meets current emission rules, and CAFE is managed at brand level. A 3-5 year sale window looks safe. Even if plans change, parts and support normally continue for many years.

I have a T-Roc manufactured in 2020, which I purchased in January 2021. I primarily do long highway trips, with almost no city driving. The T-Roc has been solid for the last five years, but during very long 8 to 10-hour drives, it does not feel very comfortable because of the seating position, and my legs start to hurt a bit. My height is 6 feet. Which SUV would be best for long drives with great driving dynamics? What about the Jeep Compass? Should I make the change? Are there any chances that Jeep will launch a new Compass in India? And what about Jeep’s quality issues in India?

•5w

Given your usage, we would not change the T-Roc unless the seating comfort issue is genuinely becoming a deal breaker, because the T-Roc is still a very solid long-distance machine with excellent driving manners. However, at 6 feet tall, if the seating position is causing leg fatigue after 8 to 10-hour drives, that is a legitimate reason to upgrade, and in that case, you need something with a more relaxed seating position, better thigh support and a roomier cabin.The Jeep Compass is a strong candidate if driving dynamics matter. It still has one of the best ride and handling balances in this segment. It feels planted at highway speeds and genuinely tackles poor roads brilliantly. It also offers a more upright SUV seating position than the T-Roc, which could suit you better for long hours. Build quality and overall solidity are still strong points.On the new Compass, there are no immediate plans for an all-new generation in India. Jeep is expected to keep the current line-up fresh with special editions and updates, with a genuinely new product likely only around 2027. So, waiting specifically for a brand new India-bound Compass does not make much sense right now.If your brief is purely long-distance comfort plus great driving dynamics, we would actually look beyond the Compass as well. The Skoda Kodiaq or the Volkswagen Tayron, as they feel like a more natural upgrade from a T-Roc, with much better long-distance comfort, stronger ergonomics for taller drivers and excellent highway manners.If you want something more SUV like, the Jeep Meridian deserves a closer look than the Compass because it offers similar Jeep dynamics along with more space and a more relaxed long-distance experience.

Hello Autocar team, I have been following you for close to a decade. Your reviews are comprehensive and unbiased as well. I have one question: What is the future of Jeep products like the Compass, considering there have been no major upgrades, updates, or new models? Is it worth buying one, as I am not sure how long the brand can sustain itself in the Indian market? Looking forward to your response.

•5w

Your concern is completely understandable, because when you buy into a brand, you are also buying into its long-term ecosystem, not just the car itself. The Jeep Compass and Meridian are still genuinely competent products with strong build quality, excellent ride and handling, and a premium feel that many rivals still do not quite match. So from a pure product perspective, there is still a lot to like.At the same time, product momentum has clearly slowed, and the lack of major new launches naturally raises questions. The good news is that Jeep is not exiting India, and there are future plans in place, but the next big all new product is still a year away. The brand may be in a quieter phase, but there is no sign of an abrupt India exit. In fact, Jeep has already outlined its future plans for the Indian market.The bigger practical considerations are ownership confidence and resale. Jeep’s aftersales experience can be very good in some cities and less convincing in others, and resale values are not as strong as more mainstream premium rivals like Toyota. That said, if you are someone who buys a car to keep for several years rather than worrying about frequent upgrades, that becomes less of an issue.

Jeep Compass

Jeep Meridian

•6w

I drive mainly in the city on a weekly basis. On weekends, my driving exceeds 500 km. I currently own a 2016 Scorpio Classic. I am planning to buy a new 7-seater in the 30-40 lakh range for the same usage, along with off-roading as well. Please advise.

•6w

Weekly city runs with 500 km-plus weekend drives and occasional off-roading in the mix, the Mahindra Scorpio N Z8 4X4 fits this usage well. It keeps the tough, go‑anywhere feel you’re used to from your Classic Scorpio, but it is much more comfortable and safer now. The 4X4 with a low gear and terrain modes lets you tackle slush, rocks and steep trails with confidence, while the strong build and good ground clearance suits rough roads. On long highways, it cruises calmly and feels steadier than your old car, and in the city, the steering is lighter, so it’s easier to thread through traffic.Know that the third row is tight, and with all seats up, the boot is small, so luggage needs a roof carrier or folding the last row. Also, at low speeds on broken roads, you still feel some movement. If you want a softer, quieter cabin and a more refined experience, look at the Jeep Meridian 4x4. While it may not be as rugged as the Mahindra Scorpio N, off-road ability is good, and its ride and stability are appreciably better.

Jeep Meridian

Mahindra Scorpio N

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